Brownlow Medal Winners: A Complete List And Guide

Alex Johnson
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Brownlow Medal Winners: A Complete List And Guide

Hey sports fans! Are you ready to dive into the history of one of the most prestigious awards in Australian Rules Football? We're talking about the Brownlow Medal, of course! This article is your ultimate guide to the Brownlow Medal winners list, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the champions who have etched their names into AFL folklore. From the legends of yesteryear to the modern-day superstars, we'll explore the remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments that define this iconic award. So, grab your footy, get comfortable, and let's journey through the annals of the Brownlow Medal!

What is the Brownlow Medal? A Quick Overview

Alright, before we jump into the list of winners, let's quickly recap what the Brownlow Medal is all about. The Brownlow Medal is awarded annually to the “best and fairest” player in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the home and away season. The voting system is simple: field umpires award votes (3, 2, or 1) to the players they deem the best on the ground in each match. The player who polls the most votes at the end of the regular season takes home the coveted medal. It's a huge deal, guys! It's not just about skill; it's about consistently performing at an elite level while also demonstrating sportsmanship and fair play. The Brownlow Medal is a testament to a player’s dedication, talent, and ability to rise above the competition. The Brownlow Medal ceremony is one of the most glamorous events on the Australian sporting calendar, attracting players, coaches, and celebrities. It’s a night of glitz and glamour, where the best players in the league are celebrated for their achievements on and off the field. Winning the Brownlow Medal is a career-defining moment for any player and a recognition of their outstanding contribution to the sport.

So, when we talk about the Brownlow Medal, we're not just talking about a medal; we're talking about a symbol of excellence, a recognition of the best of the best. The history of the Brownlow Medal is filled with iconic players, memorable moments, and a rich tradition that continues to captivate fans. The award was first presented in 1924, and since then, it has become an integral part of the AFL landscape. The medal itself is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, and it's a tangible representation of a player's hard work, dedication, and skill. The Brownlow Medal is more than just an award; it's a legacy. It’s a reminder of the incredible talent and sportsmanship that make Australian Rules Football such a beloved sport.

Key Features of the Brownlow Medal

  • Best and Fairest: Recognizes both exceptional skill and fair play.
  • Voting System: Umpire-voted system (3-2-1 votes per match).
  • Annual Award: Presented at the end of each home and away season.
  • Prestigious Event: The Brownlow Medal ceremony is a major social and sporting event.
  • Historical Significance: Awarded since 1924, with a rich history and tradition.

Brownlow Medal Winners List: A Comprehensive List

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for: the Brownlow Medal winners list! Below is a list of every player who has ever won the Brownlow Medal. We've included the year they won, the team they played for, and, of course, their name. Get ready to celebrate some of the greatest names in AFL history! This list is a testament to the enduring legacy of these players and the incredible impact they've had on the sport. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the game, you'll find plenty to appreciate in the achievements of these legendary players. Each name on this list represents years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. These winners have not only achieved individual success but have also inspired countless fans and players. It's a privilege to celebrate their achievements and remember the unforgettable moments they've created on the field. Let’s take a look at some of the legendary names who have secured their place in AFL history.

Here's the list, presented in chronological order:

  • 1924: Edward 'Carji' Greeves (Geelong)
  • 1925: Colin Watson (St Kilda)
  • 1926: George Rawlinson (Richmond)
  • 1927: Allan Hopkins (South Melbourne)
  • 1928: Ivor Warne-Smith (Melbourne)
  • 1929: Albert 'Leeter' Collier (Collingwood)
  • 1930: Stan Judkins (Essendon)
  • 1931: Haydn Bunton Sr. (Fitzroy)
  • 1932: No Award
  • 1933: Wilfred 'Bill' Mohr (Footscray)
  • 1934: Haydn Bunton Sr. (Fitzroy) & Dick Reynolds (Essendon)
  • 1935: Haydn Bunton Sr. (Fitzroy)
  • 1936: Joe Tyson (Geelong)
  • 1937: Dick Reynolds (Essendon)
  • 1938: Dick Reynolds (Essendon)
  • 1939: Ron Todd (South Melbourne)
  • 1940: Des Fothergill (Collingwood) & Allan 'Alby' Pannam (South Melbourne)
  • 1941: Norm Smith (Melbourne)
  • 1942: Bill Williams (Geelong)
  • 1943: Keith 'Bluey' Truscott (Melbourne)
  • 1944: Bill 'Stocker' Morris (Richmond)
  • 1945: Bob 'The Baron' Cowton (Footscray)
  • 1946: Don 'Mopsy' Cordner (Melbourne)
  • 1947: Bert Deacon (Carlton)
  • 1948: Ron Clegg (South Melbourne)
  • 1949: Col Austen (Hawthorn)
  • 1950: Alan 'Butch' Gale (Essendon)
  • 1951: Kevin 'Bulldog' Murray (Fitzroy)
  • 1952: Roy 'Skeeter' Wright (Richmond)
  • 1953: Bill Hutchison (Essendon)
  • 1954: Neil 'Nicky' Bencraft (Melbourne)
  • 1955: Fred 'Bluey' Goldsmith (South Melbourne) & John Coleman (Essendon)
  • 1956: Peter Box (Footscray)
  • 1957: Brian Gleeson (St Kilda) & John Schultz (Footscray)
  • 1958: Len Fitzgerald (Hawthorn)
  • 1959: Bob Skilton (South Melbourne)
  • 1960: John 'Jack' Clarke (Geelong) & Verdun Howell (St Kilda)
  • 1961: John James (Carlton)
  • 1962: Alby Morrison (Geelong) & Bobby 'The Rattler' Rose (Collingwood)
  • 1963: Bob Skilton (South Melbourne)
  • 1964: No Award
  • 1965: Ian Stewart (St Kilda)
  • 1966: Syd Jackson (Richmond)
  • 1967: Gary Dempsey (Footscray)
  • 1968: Bob 'The Bear' Keddie (South Melbourne) & Ron Barassi (Carlton)
  • 1969: Kevin Bartlett (Richmond)
  • 1970: Peter Bedford (South Melbourne)
  • 1971: Ian Stewart (Richmond)
  • 1972: Lenny Hayes (St Kilda)
  • 1973: Keith Greig (North Melbourne)
  • 1974: Keith Greig (North Melbourne) & John 'The Great' Mahon (Hawthorn)
  • 1975: Gary Dempsey (Footscray)
  • 1976: Graham Moss (Essendon)
  • 1977: Bill 'Wee Billy' Goggin (Geelong)
  • 1978: Malcolm 'Jumbo' Linton (Footscray)
  • 1979: Peter Moore (Collingwood)
  • 1980: Kelvin Templeton (Footscray)
  • 1981: Barry Round (South Melbourne)
  • 1982: Brian Wilson (Fitzroy)
  • 1983: Geoff 'Joffa' Pyke (Melbourne)
  • 1984: Russell 'Rippa' Ebert (Port Adelaide)
  • 1985: Brad Hardie (Footscray)
  • 1986: Greg Williams (Sydney)
  • 1987: John 'JB' Platten (Hawthorn)
  • 1988: Gerard Healy (Sydney)
  • 1989: Paul Couch (Geelong)
  • 1990: Tony 'Plugger' Lockett (Sydney)
  • 1991: Jim Stynes (Melbourne)
  • 1992: Scott 'Lanky' Wynd (Footscray)
  • 1993: Gavin 'Spud' Wanganeen (Essendon)
  • 1994: Jason Dunstall (Hawthorn)
  • 1995: Paul Williams (Collingwood)
  • 1996: Michael Voss (Brisbane)
  • 1997: Robert Harvey (St Kilda) & Martin Pike (North Melbourne)
  • 1998: Shane Crawford (Hawthorn)
  • 1999: Shane Woewodin (Melbourne)
  • 2000: Shane Crawford (Hawthorn) & Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)
  • 2001: Jason Akermanis (Brisbane)
  • 2002: Simon Black (Brisbane)
  • 2003: Mark Ricciuto (Adelaide) & Nathan Buckley (Collingwood) & Fabian 'Fabulous' Francis (Melbourne)
  • 2004: Ben Cousins (West Coast)
  • 2005: Barry Hall (Sydney)
  • 2006: Adam Goodes (Sydney) & Michael Tuck (Hawthorn)
  • 2007: Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)
  • 2008: Brendon 'Brendon' Goddard (Essendon)
  • 2009: Gary Ablett Jr. (Geelong)
  • 2010: Chris Judd (Carlton)
  • 2011: Dane Swan (Collingwood)
  • 2012: Trent Cotchin (Richmond) & Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
  • 2013: Gary Ablett Jr. (Gold Coast)
  • 2014: Matt Priddis (West Coast)
  • 2015: Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
  • 2016: Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
  • 2017: Dustin Martin (Richmond)
  • 2018: Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn)
  • 2019: Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
  • 2020: Lachie Neale (Brisbane)
  • 2021: Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide)
  • 2022: Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
  • 2023: Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

Multiple Brownlow Medal Winners

Some legends have managed to win the Brownlow Medal more than once. Here are the players who have achieved this incredible feat:

  • Haydn Bunton Sr.: 3 (1931, 1934, 1935)
  • Dick Reynolds: 3 (1934, 1937, 1938)
  • Ian Stewart: 2 (1965, 1971)
  • Keith Greig: 2 (1973, 1974)
  • Gary Dempsey: 2 (1967, 1975)
  • Bob Skilton: 3 (1959, 1963)
  • Shane Crawford: 2 (1999, 2000)
  • Jimmy Bartel: 2 (2000, 2007)
  • Gary Ablett Jr.: 2 (2009, 2013)
  • Patrick Cripps: 2 (2019, 2022)

Brownlow Medal Trivia and Interesting Facts

Want to impress your mates with your Brownlow knowledge? Check out these interesting facts and trivia bits:

  • First Winner: Edward 'Carji' Greeves was the first-ever Brownlow medalist.
  • Most Wins: Haydn Bunton Sr., Dick Reynolds, and Bob Skilton hold the record for the most Brownlow Medals won.
  • Shared Wins: There have been several instances of players tying for the Brownlow, leading to shared victories.
  • Non-Victorian Winners: The Brownlow Medal isn’t just for Victorians; players from all over Australia (and even overseas) have taken home the prize.
  • Modern Era: The modern era of the Brownlow Medal has seen some incredible talents emerge, making the competition fiercer than ever. Some of the biggest names like Gary Ablett Jr., Patrick Dangerfield, and Dustin Martin have added to the legacy of the medal. These players have not only dominated the field but have also set new standards for excellence and dedication in the sport.

The Significance of the Brownlow Medal in AFL

The Brownlow Medal holds a special place in the hearts of AFL fans and players. It's more than just an award; it represents the highest honor a player can achieve in the game. Winning the Brownlow is a testament to a player’s skill, consistency, and sportsmanship throughout the season. The medal itself is a symbol of excellence, a reminder of the hard work and dedication required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. The Brownlow Medal ceremony is a highlight of the AFL calendar, bringing together players, coaches, and fans to celebrate the achievements of the league's best. The event is known for its glamour and prestige, with players and their partners showcasing the latest fashion trends. The Brownlow Medal not only recognizes individual brilliance but also highlights the importance of teamwork and fair play in the game. The winners often become role models for aspiring young players, inspiring them to strive for greatness on and off the field. The medal serves as a reminder of the rich history and tradition of Australian Rules Football, connecting the past, present, and future of the sport.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Legends of AFL

There you have it, guys! A complete Brownlow Medal winners list, packed with legends and memorable moments. We hope you enjoyed this journey through AFL history. The Brownlow Medal is a testament to the skill, dedication, and sportsmanship that make Australian Rules Football such a beloved sport. These players have not only achieved individual success but have also inspired countless fans and players. Keep an eye on the future stars, and we'll see who joins this elite list in the years to come. Thanks for joining us, and keep enjoying the great game of AFL!

Keep supporting your team and celebrating the amazing athletes who make this sport so thrilling!

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